Kidnapped US pastor rescued after South Africa shoot-out

The American pastor, who was kidnapped by men armed during church worship last week in South Africa, was rescued by the “high -strength shooting incident” where three people died.

Josh Sullivan was found safely in the village of GQEBERHA in Eastern Cape on Tuesday evening. 45 years old is 45 years old.

There was no immediate details of the kidnappers who were suspected of being used to family movements.

According to police statistics, South Africa’s abduction has increased by 264% over the past decade.

In a statement published on Wednesday morning, South Africa’s elite police troops, known as Hawks, were rescued by Sullivan in accordance with the “proven intelligence that the adjusted team moved quickly to an identified position.”

Hawks spokesman Avele Fumba said the officers approached the house and the suspects attempted to run away in the car.

“Police officers responded to tactical precision, leading to high -intensity shootings, and three unidentified suspects were injured deadly,” Fumba said.

Sullivan’s family and friends gave a passionate plea for a safe return after kidnapping.

Jeremy Hall, a spokesman for Sullivan’s family, said he was in church with his wife and children when he was kidnapped by the local newspaper Times Live.

“They knew his name,” he said at the time.

According to the initial report, there is no ransom request, but his abductees later called for the intervention of Hawks.

The troops, the branch of South Africa police, focus on investigating organizations, economics and other serious crimes.

Sullivan describes himself as a “church planting missionary.”

He said in 2018 that he moved to South Africa with his wife and children and founded a church for those who use XHOSA.